Park Info
Foch-Gilttoyees Park and Protected Area protects 60,000 hectares of rugged coastal terrain, from sea level to mountain peak. The park is nestled in the Coastal mountain range on the north side of the Douglas Channel and it envelops a diversity of landscapes and features including pristine freshwater drainages, bordered by steep rocky slopes covered with old-growth forests, numerous waterfalls, tidal estuaries, unique tidal narrows, and a windswept coastline. Snow-covered peaks, glacial tarns, cirque basins, and receding glaciers cap the park. In conjunction with Gitnadoiks River Park and Protected Area to the north, Foch-Gilttoyees completes a wildlife link between the Douglas Channel and the Khutzeymateen (Foch-Gilttoyees Park, Gitnadoixs River Park and Protected Area, Exchamsiks River Park and Protected Area, Exchamsiks River corridor, Khutzeymateen Park).
Park Size: 61,089 hectares
Stay Safe:
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
- There are no developed trails at this park. Please obey posted signs.
- Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
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General Visitor Information
Location
Foch-Gilttoyees Park and Protected Area is located roughly 33 km southwest of Kitimat on the west side of Douglas Channel. It can be found on chart 3743 (Douglas Channel). Access is by boat only. The closest communities to this park are Kitimat, and Kitimaat Village.
Visitor Information Centre:
Kitimat Visitor Information Centre
PO Box 214
2109 Forest Avenue
Kitimat, BC, Canada V8C 2G7
http://www.tourismkitimat.ca/
e-mail: info@tourismkitimat.ca
ph: 250 632-6294 or 1-800-664-6554
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Nature & Culture
- History - Foch-Gilttoyees was designated as a Class A provincial park in 2004 following recommendations from the Kalum Land and Resource Management Plan. The Protected Area portion of Foch-Gilttoyees was also designated in the same year.
- Cultural Heritage - Foch-Gilttoyees contains part of a historical First Nations travel route between the Douglas Channel and the Skeena River (the remainder of the route is in Gitnadoiks River Park).
- Conservation - Foch Lagoon is one of the largest and most remote lagoons on the BC coast. It includes a highly productive and unique tidal narrows at its entranceway. Because of the heavy tide influence in the narrows the oceanic productivity in this area is very high compared to the rest of the Douglas Channel. The kelp beds that are found in this area support nurseries for a wide array of sea life.
- Wildlife - Foch – Gilttoyees protects a regionally significant estuary complex at the north end of the Gilttoyees Inlet. The Gilttoyees Creek and Peechugh Creek estuary is notable for its well-developed inter-tidal flats and relatively under-developed mud flats. Salt-water marsh and meadow communities dominate the inter-tidal flats. The estuary has very high wildlife values, particularly over-wintering habitat for the Blue-listed Trumpeter Swan, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Oldsquaw and Western Grebe.
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Map / Brochure
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Activities Available At This Park
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| Canoeing |
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Both Foch Lagoon and Gilttoyees are scenic, sheltered bodies of water. Kayakers should be away that entry into Foch Lagoon involves passing through tidal rapids and should only be attempted at slack tide. Also, access to the area is via Douglas Channel which is frequently rough and unsuited to small boats.
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| Climbing |
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There are opportunities for climbing amongst the rocky peaks and glaciers of Foch-Gilttoyees Park. Access is challenging as there are no trails in the park.
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| Hunting |
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| Scuba Diving |
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There are SCUBA diving opportunities in the park.
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| Swimming |
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Swimming is possible in the lakes, lagoon and ocean, but the water is cold all season long. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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| Campfires |
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Please Conserve Firewood. Limited burning hours may be in effect at some parks and fire bans may be implemented during extremely hot weather conditions. No firewood available.
While campfires are allowed in this backcountry area, we encourage visitors to use campstoves for cooking purposes. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather wood for fires from the area unless required for emergency situations. Dead wood is an important
While campfires are allowed in this backcountry area, we encourage visitors to use campstoves for cooking purposes. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather wood for fires from the area unless required for emergency situations. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
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| Walk-In/Wilderness Camping |
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Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
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| Winter Camping |
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There is winter camping in the park. The park is accessible year round.
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